THE vast majority of people entering Wales's growing employment ranks are women.

THE vast majority of people entering Wales's growing employment ranks are women.

The latest Government Labour Force Survey statistics show that for the period May to July this year the employment level in Wales rose by 78,000 to 1.31m.

Of this increase women accounted for 62,000, representing 80% of the year-on-year increase.

The rise in employment has been championed by the Welsh Assembly Government as a positive sign of an improvement in economic conditions.

Economic Development Minister Andrew Davies said of the employment data, "This is yet more good news for Wales, and a clear demonstration that the Welsh economy is on course for long-term sustainable growth.

"We have had the biggest fall in unemployment and inactivity in the whole of the UK.

"Outside of the UK, Wales now has a higher employment rate than all EU countries except the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden."

However, the figures don't provide any real pointers as to why women made up 80% of the employment increase.

Some commentators point to the fact that increased consumer debt could be accounting for more women entering the labour market, as well as having to work because their male partners have lost jobs in the more value added manufacturing sector.

According to Government figures in March 2000, 208,000 people in Wales were in employment in manufacturing. Last year that figure had fallen to 184,000 and further again to 179,000 last March.

However, some commentators suggest that the increase in women employment could be linked to better childcare provision, particularly in the public sector, and more women wanting to enter the workforce for personal satisfaction.

Government figures for March to May this year, compared with the same period in 2002, show the number of women in employment increased from 557,000 to 624,000, an increase of 67,0000.

Of the total female workforce 349,000 were full-time, with the remainder part-time.

However, those deemed to be in self-employment rose from 39,000 to 51,000.

In terms of sectors the statistics don't give a breakdown between private and public sector employment. However, figures for March 2003 shows 221,000 being employed in the service sector.